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Athena SWAN

The Department of Oncology was awarded a departmental Athena SWAN Silver award in 2016 following a successful Bronze award in 2014, in recognition of its commitment to introduce organisational and cultural practices that promote gender equality, and of its efforts to improve the working environment for both men and women.

When established in 2005, the charter focussed on advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. This was expanded in 2015 to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and now seeks to address gender equality more broadly instead of identifying barriers to progression that only affect women. In addition to gender equality in science, the charter now incorporates professional and support staff, and trans staff and students.

As a Department, the Athena SWAN process provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our practice and to celebrate our achievements. Additionally, Athena SWAN offers a framework for introducing sustainable changes which focus on our working culture as well as addressing gender inequality. This supports us to create a workplace that people feel proud to be a part of.